The Sun
KIM Jong-un looks skinnier than EVER after the dictator dropped more than 40 pounds amid a flurry of speculation about possible gastric band surgery.
The 37-year-old leader has piled on the pounds since he took power a decade ago – but he recently shed the blubber when he struggled to breathe after ballooning to 22 stone.
South Korea’s spy agency said Kim has lost a lot of weight in the last year – possibly more than 40 pounds – after disappearing from the public eye for several months.
Kim was looking extra slim as he was pictured greeting commanders and political officers of the Korean People’s Army in Pyongyang on Friday in a baggy grey pinstripe suit.
The National Intelligence Service said it is believed Kim hit a whopping 22 stone last year after gaining around a stone a year since coming to power in 2011.
According to one source, Kim’s cronies said he gained weight due to work-related stress, drinking, heavy smoking and a high-fat diet.
At 5ft 7in, Kim has long been considered obese, after it was revealed he had piled on the pounds amid dire food shortages in his rogue state.
He has struggled with his health as a result of his spiralling weight and his fridge-raiding lifestyle.
Kim has a legendary appetite, apparently gorging himself on Swiss cheese, caviar and lobster while drinking multiple bottles of wine in a night.
SLIM KIM
But images of a new “slim Kim” emerged in June – and commentators have questioned whether his weight loss is intentional or due to a grave illness.
Kim might have been taking weight loss medication to shed the pounds – or he could have had a bariatric surgery procedure such as a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass, 38 North reports.
Kim’s health has previously been a closely guarded state secret – but starving North Koreans have said they are increasingly worried about the health of their “emaciated” leader, according to state media.
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